US20120229571A1 - Inkjet head and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents
Inkjet head and method of manufacturing the same Download PDFInfo
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- US20120229571A1 US20120229571A1 US13/413,803 US201213413803A US2012229571A1 US 20120229571 A1 US20120229571 A1 US 20120229571A1 US 201213413803 A US201213413803 A US 201213413803A US 2012229571 A1 US2012229571 A1 US 2012229571A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- inkjet head
- frame
- plate
- nozzle plate
- grooves
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
- B41J2/14201—Structure of print heads with piezoelectric elements
- B41J2/14233—Structure of print heads with piezoelectric elements of film type, deformed by bending and disposed on a diaphragm
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
- B41J2/1433—Structure of nozzle plates
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
- B41J2002/14362—Assembling elements of heads
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1062—Prior to assembly
- Y10T156/1064—Partial cutting [e.g., grooving or incising]
Definitions
- Embodiments described herein relate generally to an inkjet head and a method of manufacturing the inkjet head.
- Inkjet heads of a so-called side-shooter type have a base plate, a frame, and a nozzle plate.
- the frame is adhered to the base plate to which a piezoelectric element is attached.
- the nozzle plate is adhered to the frame.
- Ink is supplied from an ink tank to an ink chamber which is enclosed by the base plate, the frame, and the nozzle plate.
- the ink is supplied to pressure chambers of the piezoelectric element, and ejected from nozzles provided on the nozzle plate by the piezoelectric element.
- the nozzle plate is attached to the frame by a thermosetting adhesive.
- gas which is produced by chemical reaction may cause air bubbles to form between the nozzle plate and the frame. Such air bubbles lift up the nozzle plate, and raise projections on a surface of the nozzle plate.
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of an inkjet head according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the inkjet head of the first embodiment, taken along line F 2 -F 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a frame of the first embodiment
- FIG. 4 is an exemplary plan view of a frame according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 5 is an exemplary plan view of a frame according to a third embodiment
- FIG. 6 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an inkjet head of the third embodiment
- FIG. 7 is an exemplary plan view of a frame according to a fourth embodiment
- FIG. 8 is an exemplary perspective view of an inkjet head according to a fifth embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the inkjet head of the fifth embodiment, taken along line F 9 -F 9 of FIG. 8 .
- an inkjet head includes a base member, a nozzle plate, a frame and an adhesive.
- the nozzle plate is opposed to the base member.
- the frame is interposed between the base member and the nozzle plate, the frame including an adhering surface to which the nozzle plate is adhered, and a groove which is provided in the adhering surface.
- the adhesive is interposed between the adhering surface and the nozzle plate.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inkjet head 1 , taken along line F 2 -F 2 of FIG. 1 .
- the inkjet head 1 is an inkjet head of a so-called side-shooter type.
- the inkjet head 1 comprises a base plate 10 , a pair of driving elements 11 , a nozzle plate 12 , and a frame 13 .
- the base plate 10 is an example of a base member.
- an ink chamber 15 is provided inside the inkjet head 1 .
- the ink chamber 15 is enclosed by the base plate 10 , the nozzle plate 12 , and the frame 13 , and supplied with printing ink.
- the base plate 10 is formed of ceramic, such as alumina, and has a rectangular plate shape.
- the base plate 10 includes a flat surface 21 . As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the, surface 21 of the base plate 10 is provided with a plurality of supply holes 22 , a plurality of discharge holes 23 , and a plurality of electrical traces 24 .
- the supply holes 22 are arranged in a center part of the base plate 10 , and arranged in a line along a longitudinal direction of the base plate 10 .
- the supply holes 22 are open to the ink chamber 15 , and connected to an ink tank through a manifold. Ink in the ink tank is supplied to the ink chamber 15 through the supply holes 22 .
- the discharge holes 23 are arranged in two lines along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10 , to hold the line of the supply holes 22 therebetween.
- the discharge holes 23 are open to the ink chamber 15 , and connected to the ink tank through a manifold. Ink of the ink chamber 15 is collected into the ink tank through the discharge holes 23 .
- the electrical traces 24 are formed of, for example, a nickel thin film which is formed by electroless plating. Each of the electrical traces 24 extends from a side edge 10 a of the base plate 10 toward the center part of the base plate 10 . The electrical traces 24 are electrically connected to an IC which controls the driving elements 11 .
- Each of the driving elements 11 is, for example, a piezoelectric element which is formed of lead zirconate titanate (PZT), and has a bar shape. Each of the driving elements 11 is adhered to the surface 21 of the base plate 10 . The driving elements 11 are arranged in parallel with each other in the ink chamber 15 .
- PZT lead zirconate titanate
- Each driving element 11 is provided with a plurality of pressure chambers 27 to eject ink.
- the pressure chambers 27 are grooves which are provided in each driving element 11 .
- Each pressure chamber 27 has a width of, for example, 80 ⁇ m.
- the pressure chambers 27 are covered with electrodes 28 .
- the electrodes 28 are electrically connected with the electrical traces 24 .
- the IC applies a voltage to the electrodes 28 through the respective electrical traces 24 , based on a signal which is inputted from a controller of the inkjet printer. Thereby, the driving elements 11 shear, and pressurize ink supplied to the pressure chambers 27 .
- the nozzle plate 12 is formed of a rectangular film formed of polyimide.
- the nozzle plate 12 is not limited to this structure, but may be formed of another resin material which can be processed by laser.
- the nozzle plate 12 is attached to the base plate 10 with the frame 13 interposed therebetween, and opposed to the base plate 10 .
- the nozzle plate 12 has a thickness of, for example, 20 to 50 ⁇ m.
- the nozzle plate 12 is provided with a plurality of nozzles 31 .
- the nozzles 31 are holes which are formed in the nozzle plate 12 , and each of which is open to the ink chamber 15 .
- the nozzles 31 are arranged to correspond to the respective pressure chambers 27 .
- the ink which is pressurized in the pressure chambers 27 is ejected from the corresponding nozzles 31 .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the frame 13 .
- the frame 13 is formed of a first plate 35 and two second plates 36 , which are formed of nickel alloy.
- the frame 13 is adhered to the surface 21 of the base plate 10 .
- the frame 13 is interposed between the base plate 10 and the nozzle plate 12 , and produces a space between the base plate 10 and the nozzle plate 12 .
- the frame 13 includes a flat adhering surface 41 , a plurality of grooves 42 , and an opening part 43 which is defined by an inner edge of the frame 13 .
- the adhering surface 41 is located on a reverse side of a surface which is adhered to the base plate 10 .
- the nozzle plate 12 is adhered to the adhering surface 41 by adhesive 45 .
- the adhesive 45 is, for example, a one-part epoxy-based adhesive.
- the adhesive 45 is applied to the adhering surface 41 of the frame 13 , and top parts of the driving elements 11 .
- the adhesive 45 is interposed between the adhering surface 41 and the nozzle plate 12 , and adheres the nozzle plate 12 to the frame 13 .
- the adhesive 45 is also interposed between the top parts of the driving elements 11 and the nozzle plate 12 , and adheres the driving elements 11 to the nozzle plate 12 .
- the grooves 42 are formed in the adhering surface 41 .
- the grooves 42 are formed along edges of the adhering surface 41 .
- the grooves 42 are intermittently arranged in three lines.
- the grooves 42 are not open to the ink chamber 15 , but arranged apart from the ink chamber 15 . In other words, the grooves 42 are separated from the ink chamber 15 .
- the grooves 42 are not open to the outside of the inkjet head 1 . In other words, the grooves 42 are separated from the atmosphere.
- the grooves 42 are only open in the adhering surface 41 .
- Each groove 42 has a depth of, for example, 0.1 mm.
- Each groove 42 has a width of, for example, 30 to 100 ⁇ m.
- the size of the grooves 42 is not limited to it, but can be determined according to conditions such as a distance between adjacent grooves 42 .
- discharge holes 23 and supply holes 22 are formed in a base plate 10 which is formed of a ceramic sheet before sintering (ceramic green sheet). Then, the base plate 10 is sintered.
- a pair of driving elements 11 are adhered to the base plate 10 .
- a distance between the driving elements 11 is fixed by a jig (not shown).
- the driving elements 11 are positioned by the jig, and adhered to the base plate 10 .
- corner parts of the driving elements 11 which are adhered to the base plate 10 are subjected to grinding or tapering to perform grinding.
- a plurality of grooves which serve as pressure chambers 27 are formed in each of the driving elements 11 . This processing is performed by using, for example, a diamond wheel of a dicing saw which is used for cutting IC wafers.
- electrodes 28 are formed on respective internal surfaces of the grooves, and a plurality of electrical traces 24 are formed on a surface 21 of the base plate 10 .
- the electrical traces 24 and the electrodes 28 are formed of, for example, a nickel thin film which is formed by electroless plating. Then, patterning is performed by laser irradiation, and thereby the nickel thin film is removed from parts other than the electrical traces 24 and the electrodes 28 .
- a frame 13 is formed. First, a plate material formed of nickel alloy is etched, and thereby a first plate 35 and two second plates 36 are formed.
- the first plate 35 includes the adhering surface 41 of the frame 13 .
- the first plate 35 includes part of the opening part 43 of the frame 13 , and a plurality of slits 48 .
- the part of the opening part 43 and the slits 48 are open in the adhering surface 41 , and penetrate the first plate 35 .
- the part of the opening part 43 and the slits 48 are simultaneously formed by, for example, etching.
- the method of forming the slits 48 is not limited to etching, but another method such as pressing may be used.
- Each of the two second plates 36 includes part of the opening part 43 .
- the part of the opening part 43 is formed by, for example, etching.
- the second plates 36 may have a thickness and a width which are different from those of the first plate 35 .
- the first plate 35 is temporarily adhered to the second plates 36 by an adhesive.
- the first plate 35 and the second plates 36 which are temporarily adhered to each other are bonded, and thereby the frame 13 is formed.
- the bonding is performed by, for example, diffusion bonding.
- the bonding is not limited to diffusion bonding, but another bonding method such as anodic bonding and another vacuum bonding may be used.
- the second plates 36 cover the slits 48 from one side.
- the slits 48 which are covered from one side form a plurality of grooves 42 . Thereby, the frame 13 is formed.
- the method of forming the frame 13 is not limited to the above method.
- the first plate 35 may be provided with no slits 48 , but grooves 42 may be formed by etching after the first plate 35 is bonded to the second plates 36 .
- the method of forming the grooves 42 is not limited to etching, but another method such as pressing, sandpapering, and sandblast may be used.
- the grooves 42 may have a depth which is smaller than the thickness of the first plate 35 .
- an adhesive 45 is applied to the adhering surface 41 of the frame 13 by, for example, a dispenser.
- the adhesive 45 may be provided outside the grooves 42 of the frame 13 , or enter the grooves 42 .
- the nozzle plate 12 is adhered to the frame 13 by the adhesive 45 .
- the adhesive 45 is cured by heat. Curing of the adhesive 45 is not limited to curing by heat, but may be curing by ultraviolet rays or with lapse of time.
- the adhesive 45 produces gas by chemical reaction in curing by heat. The gas does not become air bubbles between the nozzle plate 12 and the frame 13 , but enters the grooves 42 .
- a plurality of nozzles 31 are formed by irradiating the nozzle plate 18 with laser beams.
- the inkjet head 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is formed.
- the adhering surface 41 to which the adhesive 45 is applied is provided with the grooves 42 . Therefore, the gas produced from the adhesive 45 runs into the grooves 42 . Therefore, it is suppressed that air bubbles lift up the nozzle plate 12 and that projections are formed on the surface of the nozzle plate 12 .
- the nozzle plate 12 is formed of a thin polyimide film. Therefore, the nozzle plate 12 is more easily influenced by air bubbles and dust, and more easily produces projections by air bubbles and dust, than a member such as the base plate 10 which is formed of ceramic. Therefore, the adhering surface 41 to which the nozzle plate 12 is attached is provided with the grooves 42 , and thereby influence by air bubbles and dust is suppressed.
- the surface of the nozzle plate 12 is sometimes wiped off by a wiper for cleaning of the inkjet head 1 .
- the wiper may be broken, and ink ejection performance thereof may decrease by ink which remains on the surface of the nozzle plate 12 . Therefore, according to the inkjet head 1 which suppresses production of projections, it is possible to suppress breakage of the wiper and decrease in ink ejection performance.
- the grooves 42 of the frame 13 are provided apart from the ink chamber 15 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent ink of the ink chamber 15 from flowing into the grooves 42 , and remaining and changing characteristic of ink flow.
- the grooves 42 of the frame 13 are formed of the slits 48 that are provided in the first plate 35 . Thereby, the slits 48 are easily formed simultaneously with part of the opening part 43 , which penetrates the first plate 35 like the slits 48 .
- This structure suppresses increase in manufacturing steps of the inkjet head 1 , and prevents increase in manufacturing cost of the inkjet head 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of a frame 13 A according to the second embodiment.
- an adhering surface 41 of the frame 13 A is provided with a plurality of grooves 42 A.
- the grooves 42 A are arranged in five lines along edges of the frame 13 A.
- Each of the grooves 42 A continuously extends from one end to the other end of a side of the frame 13 A, unlike the grooves 42 of the first embodiment which are intermittently arranged.
- the frame 13 A having the above structure has the same function as that of the frame 13 of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a frame 13 B according to the third embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an inkjet head 1 according to the third embodiment.
- an adhering surface 41 of the frame 13 B is provided with a plurality of grooves 42 B.
- Each of the grooves 42 B extends from an outer edge of the frame 13 B toward an inner edge of the frame 13 B.
- the grooves 42 B are open to an outer circumference 51 of the frame 13 B.
- the grooves 42 B are not open to the ink chamber 15 , but apart from the ink chamber 15 . In other words, the grooves 42 B are separated from the ink chamber 15 .
- the inkjet head 1 having the above structure, when an adhesive 45 is cured, gas which is produced by chemical reaction runs into the grooves 42 B. Since the grooves 42 B are open to the outer circumference of the frame 13 B, the gas is released into the atmosphere. Thereby, it is further suppressed that air bubbles produce projections on the surface of the nozzle plate 12 .
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of a frame 13 C according to the fourth embodiment.
- an adhering surface 41 of the frame 13 C is provided with a plurality of grooves 42 C.
- Each of the grooves 42 C extends to obliquely cross an edge of the frame 13 C.
- the grooves 42 C are open to an outer circumference 51 of the frame 13 C.
- the frame 13 C having the above structure has the same function as that of the frame 13 C of the third embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an inkjet head lA according to the fifth embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the inkjet head 1 A, taken along line F 9 -F 9 of FIG. 8 .
- the inkjet head lA of the fifth embodiment is an inkjet head of a so-called end-shooter type.
- the inkjet head lA includes a nozzle plate 12 , and a base module 60 .
- the base module 60 includes a driving element 61 and a cover 62 .
- the driving element 61 is formed in a block shape by two PZT members which are bonded to each other.
- the driving element 61 is provided with a plurality of electrical traces 24 , a plurality of pressure chambers 27 , and a plurality of grooves 42 D.
- the cover 62 is attached to the driving element 61 .
- the cover 62 includes a plurality of grooves 42 D, and a channel which is provided inside the cover 62 .
- the channel is connected to an ink tank and the pressure chambers 27 . Ink of the ink tank is supplied to the pressure chambers 27 through the channel of the cover 62 .
- the base module 60 which is formed by attaching the cover 62 to the driving element 61 , has an adhering surface 41 .
- the grooves 42 D of the driving element 61 and the grooves 42 D of the cover 62 are provided in the adhering surface 41 .
- each of the grooves 42 D is open to an outer circumference 51 of the base module 60 .
- the grooves 42 D are not open to the pressure chambers 27 , but apart from the pressure chambers 27 . In other words, the grooves 42 D are separated from the pressure chambers 27 .
- the inkjet head 1 A having the above structure has the same function as the inkjet head 1 of the third embodiment. Specifically, gas which is produced from an adhesive 45 when the adhesive 45 is cured runs into the grooves 42 D. In addition, since the grooves 42 D are open to the outer circumference of the base module 60 , the gas is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is suppressed that projections are formed on the surface of the nozzle plate 12 . As described above, even the inkjet head 1 A of a so-called end-shooter type produces the same effect as the inkjet head 1 of the side-shooter type.
- the grooves 42 D of the base module 60 are provided apart from the pressure chambers 27 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent ink of the pressure chambers 27 from flowing into the grooves 42 D and thereby remaining and changing ink ejection performance.
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- Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-050531, filed on Mar. 8, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Embodiments described herein relate generally to an inkjet head and a method of manufacturing the inkjet head.
- Inkjet heads of a so-called side-shooter type have a base plate, a frame, and a nozzle plate. The frame is adhered to the base plate to which a piezoelectric element is attached. The nozzle plate is adhered to the frame.
- Ink is supplied from an ink tank to an ink chamber which is enclosed by the base plate, the frame, and the nozzle plate. The ink is supplied to pressure chambers of the piezoelectric element, and ejected from nozzles provided on the nozzle plate by the piezoelectric element.
- The nozzle plate is attached to the frame by a thermosetting adhesive. When the adhesive is cured, gas which is produced by chemical reaction may cause air bubbles to form between the nozzle plate and the frame. Such air bubbles lift up the nozzle plate, and raise projections on a surface of the nozzle plate.
-
FIG. 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of an inkjet head according to a first embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the inkjet head of the first embodiment, taken along line F2-F2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a frame of the first embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is an exemplary plan view of a frame according to a second embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is an exemplary plan view of a frame according to a third embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an inkjet head of the third embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is an exemplary plan view of a frame according to a fourth embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is an exemplary perspective view of an inkjet head according to a fifth embodiment; and -
FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the inkjet head of the fifth embodiment, taken along line F9-F9 ofFIG. 8 . - In general, according to one embodiment, an inkjet head includes a base member, a nozzle plate, a frame and an adhesive. The nozzle plate is opposed to the base member. The frame is interposed between the base member and the nozzle plate, the frame including an adhering surface to which the nozzle plate is adhered, and a groove which is provided in the adhering surface. The adhesive is interposed between the adhering surface and the nozzle plate.
- A first embodiment will be explained hereinafter with reference to
FIG. 1 toFIG. 3 .FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of aninkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment.FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of theinkjet head 1, taken along line F2-F2 ofFIG. 1 . - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , theinkjet head 1 is an inkjet head of a so-called side-shooter type. Theinkjet head 1 comprises abase plate 10, a pair ofdriving elements 11, anozzle plate 12, and aframe 13. Thebase plate 10 is an example of a base member. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , anink chamber 15 is provided inside theinkjet head 1. Theink chamber 15 is enclosed by thebase plate 10, thenozzle plate 12, and theframe 13, and supplied with printing ink. - The
base plate 10 is formed of ceramic, such as alumina, and has a rectangular plate shape. Thebase plate 10 includes aflat surface 21. As illustrated inFIG. 1 , the,surface 21 of thebase plate 10 is provided with a plurality ofsupply holes 22, a plurality ofdischarge holes 23, and a plurality ofelectrical traces 24. - The
supply holes 22 are arranged in a center part of thebase plate 10, and arranged in a line along a longitudinal direction of thebase plate 10. Thesupply holes 22 are open to theink chamber 15, and connected to an ink tank through a manifold. Ink in the ink tank is supplied to theink chamber 15 through thesupply holes 22. - The
discharge holes 23 are arranged in two lines along the longitudinal direction of thebase plate 10, to hold the line of thesupply holes 22 therebetween. Thedischarge holes 23 are open to theink chamber 15, and connected to the ink tank through a manifold. Ink of theink chamber 15 is collected into the ink tank through thedischarge holes 23. - The
electrical traces 24 are formed of, for example, a nickel thin film which is formed by electroless plating. Each of theelectrical traces 24 extends from aside edge 10 a of thebase plate 10 toward the center part of thebase plate 10. Theelectrical traces 24 are electrically connected to an IC which controls thedriving elements 11. - Each of the
driving elements 11 is, for example, a piezoelectric element which is formed of lead zirconate titanate (PZT), and has a bar shape. Each of thedriving elements 11 is adhered to thesurface 21 of thebase plate 10. Thedriving elements 11 are arranged in parallel with each other in theink chamber 15. - Each
driving element 11 is provided with a plurality ofpressure chambers 27 to eject ink. Thepressure chambers 27 are grooves which are provided in eachdriving element 11. Eachpressure chamber 27 has a width of, for example, 80 μm. As illustrated inFIG. 2 , thepressure chambers 27 are covered withelectrodes 28. Theelectrodes 28 are electrically connected with theelectrical traces 24. - The IC applies a voltage to the
electrodes 28 through the respectiveelectrical traces 24, based on a signal which is inputted from a controller of the inkjet printer. Thereby, thedriving elements 11 shear, and pressurize ink supplied to thepressure chambers 27. - The
nozzle plate 12 is formed of a rectangular film formed of polyimide. Thenozzle plate 12 is not limited to this structure, but may be formed of another resin material which can be processed by laser. Thenozzle plate 12 is attached to thebase plate 10 with theframe 13 interposed therebetween, and opposed to thebase plate 10. Thenozzle plate 12 has a thickness of, for example, 20 to 50 μm. - The
nozzle plate 12 is provided with a plurality ofnozzles 31. Thenozzles 31 are holes which are formed in thenozzle plate 12, and each of which is open to theink chamber 15. Thenozzles 31 are arranged to correspond to therespective pressure chambers 27. The ink which is pressurized in thepressure chambers 27 is ejected from the correspondingnozzles 31. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , theframe 13 is formed in a rectangular frame shape.FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of theframe 13. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , theframe 13 is formed of afirst plate 35 and twosecond plates 36, which are formed of nickel alloy. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , theframe 13 is adhered to thesurface 21 of thebase plate 10. Theframe 13 is interposed between thebase plate 10 and thenozzle plate 12, and produces a space between thebase plate 10 and thenozzle plate 12. - The
frame 13 includes a flat adheringsurface 41, a plurality ofgrooves 42, and anopening part 43 which is defined by an inner edge of theframe 13. The adheringsurface 41 is located on a reverse side of a surface which is adhered to thebase plate 10. Thenozzle plate 12 is adhered to the adheringsurface 41 byadhesive 45. - The adhesive 45 is, for example, a one-part epoxy-based adhesive. The adhesive 45 is applied to the adhering
surface 41 of theframe 13, and top parts of the drivingelements 11. The adhesive 45 is interposed between the adheringsurface 41 and thenozzle plate 12, and adheres thenozzle plate 12 to theframe 13. The adhesive 45 is also interposed between the top parts of the drivingelements 11 and thenozzle plate 12, and adheres the drivingelements 11 to thenozzle plate 12. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thegrooves 42 are formed in the adheringsurface 41. Thegrooves 42 are formed along edges of the adheringsurface 41. Thegrooves 42 are intermittently arranged in three lines. Thegrooves 42 are not open to theink chamber 15, but arranged apart from theink chamber 15. In other words, thegrooves 42 are separated from theink chamber 15. In addition, thegrooves 42 are not open to the outside of theinkjet head 1. In other words, thegrooves 42 are separated from the atmosphere. Thegrooves 42 are only open in the adheringsurface 41. - Each
groove 42 has a depth of, for example, 0.1 mm. Eachgroove 42 has a width of, for example, 30 to 100 μm. The size of thegrooves 42 is not limited to it, but can be determined according to conditions such as a distance betweenadjacent grooves 42. - The following is an example of part of a manufacturing process of the
inkjet head 1. First, discharge holes 23 andsupply holes 22 are formed in abase plate 10 which is formed of a ceramic sheet before sintering (ceramic green sheet). Then, thebase plate 10 is sintered. - Thereafter, a pair of driving
elements 11 are adhered to thebase plate 10. In this processing, a distance between the drivingelements 11 is fixed by a jig (not shown). The drivingelements 11 are positioned by the jig, and adhered to thebase plate 10. - Then, corner parts of the driving
elements 11 which are adhered to thebase plate 10 are subjected to grinding or tapering to perform grinding. A plurality of grooves which serve aspressure chambers 27 are formed in each of the drivingelements 11. This processing is performed by using, for example, a diamond wheel of a dicing saw which is used for cutting IC wafers. - Thereafter,
electrodes 28 are formed on respective internal surfaces of the grooves, and a plurality ofelectrical traces 24 are formed on asurface 21 of thebase plate 10. The electrical traces 24 and theelectrodes 28 are formed of, for example, a nickel thin film which is formed by electroless plating. Then, patterning is performed by laser irradiation, and thereby the nickel thin film is removed from parts other than theelectrical traces 24 and theelectrodes 28. - Next, a
frame 13 is formed. First, a plate material formed of nickel alloy is etched, and thereby afirst plate 35 and twosecond plates 36 are formed. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , thefirst plate 35 includes the adheringsurface 41 of theframe 13. Thefirst plate 35 includes part of theopening part 43 of theframe 13, and a plurality ofslits 48. - The part of the
opening part 43 and theslits 48 are open in the adheringsurface 41, and penetrate thefirst plate 35. The part of theopening part 43 and theslits 48 are simultaneously formed by, for example, etching. The method of forming theslits 48 is not limited to etching, but another method such as pressing may be used. - Each of the two
second plates 36 includes part of theopening part 43. The part of theopening part 43 is formed by, for example, etching. Thesecond plates 36 may have a thickness and a width which are different from those of thefirst plate 35. - Next, the
first plate 35 is temporarily adhered to thesecond plates 36 by an adhesive. Thefirst plate 35 and thesecond plates 36 which are temporarily adhered to each other are bonded, and thereby theframe 13 is formed. The bonding is performed by, for example, diffusion bonding. The bonding is not limited to diffusion bonding, but another bonding method such as anodic bonding and another vacuum bonding may be used. - By bonding the
first plate 35 to thesecond plates 36, thesecond plates 36 cover theslits 48 from one side. Theslits 48 which are covered from one side form a plurality ofgrooves 42. Thereby, theframe 13 is formed. - The method of forming the
frame 13 is not limited to the above method. For example, thefirst plate 35 may be provided with noslits 48, butgrooves 42 may be formed by etching after thefirst plate 35 is bonded to thesecond plates 36. The method of forming thegrooves 42 is not limited to etching, but another method such as pressing, sandpapering, and sandblast may be used. In addition, thegrooves 42 may have a depth which is smaller than the thickness of thefirst plate 35. - Thereafter, the formed
frame 13 is adhered to thebase plate 10. Next, an adhesive 45 is applied to the adheringsurface 41 of theframe 13 by, for example, a dispenser. The adhesive 45 may be provided outside thegrooves 42 of theframe 13, or enter thegrooves 42. Thenozzle plate 12 is adhered to theframe 13 by the adhesive 45. - Next, the adhesive 45 is cured by heat. Curing of the adhesive 45 is not limited to curing by heat, but may be curing by ultraviolet rays or with lapse of time. The adhesive 45 produces gas by chemical reaction in curing by heat. The gas does not become air bubbles between the
nozzle plate 12 and theframe 13, but enters thegrooves 42. - After the adhesive 45 is cured, a plurality of
nozzles 31 are formed by irradiating the nozzle plate 18 with laser beams. By the above process, theinkjet head 1 illustrated inFIG. 1 is formed. - According to the
inkjet head 1 having the above structure, the adheringsurface 41 to which the adhesive 45 is applied is provided with thegrooves 42. Therefore, the gas produced from the adhesive 45 runs into thegrooves 42. Therefore, it is suppressed that air bubbles lift up thenozzle plate 12 and that projections are formed on the surface of thenozzle plate 12. - In addition, even when minute dust exists between the
nozzle plate 12 and the adheringsurface 41 when the adhesive 45 is applied, the dust enters thegrooves 42. Thereby, it is suppressed that dust lifts up thenozzle plate 12 and that projections are formed on the surface of thenozzle plate 12. - The
nozzle plate 12 is formed of a thin polyimide film. Therefore, thenozzle plate 12 is more easily influenced by air bubbles and dust, and more easily produces projections by air bubbles and dust, than a member such as thebase plate 10 which is formed of ceramic. Therefore, the adheringsurface 41 to which thenozzle plate 12 is attached is provided with thegrooves 42, and thereby influence by air bubbles and dust is suppressed. - In an inkjet printer, the surface of the
nozzle plate 12 is sometimes wiped off by a wiper for cleaning of theinkjet head 1. When projections are formed on the surface of thenozzle plate 12, the wiper may be broken, and ink ejection performance thereof may decrease by ink which remains on the surface of thenozzle plate 12. Therefore, according to theinkjet head 1 which suppresses production of projections, it is possible to suppress breakage of the wiper and decrease in ink ejection performance. - The
grooves 42 of theframe 13 are provided apart from theink chamber 15. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ink of theink chamber 15 from flowing into thegrooves 42, and remaining and changing characteristic of ink flow. - The
grooves 42 of theframe 13 are formed of theslits 48 that are provided in thefirst plate 35. Thereby, theslits 48 are easily formed simultaneously with part of theopening part 43, which penetrates thefirst plate 35 like theslits 48. This structure suppresses increase in manufacturing steps of theinkjet head 1, and prevents increase in manufacturing cost of theinkjet head 1. - Next, a second embodiment of the inkjet head will be explained hereinafter with reference to
FIG. 4 . In the following embodiments disclosed hereinafter, constituent elements which have the same functions as those of theinkjet head 1 of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same respective reference numbers, and explanations thereof are omitted. -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of aframe 13A according to the second embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 4 , an adheringsurface 41 of theframe 13A is provided with a plurality ofgrooves 42A. Thegrooves 42A are arranged in five lines along edges of theframe 13A. Each of thegrooves 42A continuously extends from one end to the other end of a side of theframe 13A, unlike thegrooves 42 of the first embodiment which are intermittently arranged. Theframe 13A having the above structure has the same function as that of theframe 13 of the first embodiment. - Next, a third embodiment of the inkjet head will be explained hereinafter with reference to
FIG. 5 andFIG. 6 .FIG. 5 is a plan view of aframe 13B according to the third embodiment.FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of aninkjet head 1 according to the third embodiment. - As illustrated in
FIG. 5 , an adheringsurface 41 of theframe 13B is provided with a plurality ofgrooves 42B. Each of thegrooves 42B extends from an outer edge of theframe 13B toward an inner edge of theframe 13B. As illustrated inFIG. 6 , thegrooves 42B are open to anouter circumference 51 of theframe 13B. On the other hand, thegrooves 42B are not open to theink chamber 15, but apart from theink chamber 15. In other words, thegrooves 42B are separated from theink chamber 15. - According to the
inkjet head 1 having the above structure, when an adhesive 45 is cured, gas which is produced by chemical reaction runs into thegrooves 42B. Since thegrooves 42B are open to the outer circumference of theframe 13B, the gas is released into the atmosphere. Thereby, it is further suppressed that air bubbles produce projections on the surface of thenozzle plate 12. - Next, a fourth embodiment of the inkjet head will be explained hereinafter with reference to
FIG. 7 .FIG. 7 is a plan view of aframe 13C according to the fourth embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 7 , an adheringsurface 41 of theframe 13C is provided with a plurality ofgrooves 42C. Each of thegrooves 42C extends to obliquely cross an edge of theframe 13C. Thegrooves 42C are open to anouter circumference 51 of theframe 13C. Theframe 13C having the above structure has the same function as that of theframe 13C of the third embodiment. - Next, a fifth embodiment of the inkjet head will be explained hereinafter with reference to
FIG. 8 andFIG. 9 .FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an inkjet head lA according to the fifth embodiment.FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of theinkjet head 1A, taken along line F9-F9 ofFIG. 8 . - As illustrated in
FIG. 8 , the inkjet head lA of the fifth embodiment is an inkjet head of a so-called end-shooter type. The inkjet head lA includes anozzle plate 12, and abase module 60. - The
base module 60 includes a drivingelement 61 and acover 62. The drivingelement 61 is formed in a block shape by two PZT members which are bonded to each other. The drivingelement 61 is provided with a plurality ofelectrical traces 24, a plurality ofpressure chambers 27, and a plurality ofgrooves 42D. - The
cover 62 is attached to the drivingelement 61. Thecover 62 includes a plurality ofgrooves 42D, and a channel which is provided inside thecover 62. The channel is connected to an ink tank and thepressure chambers 27. Ink of the ink tank is supplied to thepressure chambers 27 through the channel of thecover 62. - The
base module 60, which is formed by attaching thecover 62 to the drivingelement 61, has an adheringsurface 41. Thegrooves 42D of the drivingelement 61 and thegrooves 42D of thecover 62 are provided in the adheringsurface 41. As illustrated inFIG. 9 , each of thegrooves 42D is open to anouter circumference 51 of thebase module 60. On the other hand, thegrooves 42D are not open to thepressure chambers 27, but apart from thepressure chambers 27. In other words, thegrooves 42D are separated from thepressure chambers 27. - The
inkjet head 1A having the above structure has the same function as theinkjet head 1 of the third embodiment. Specifically, gas which is produced from an adhesive 45 when the adhesive 45 is cured runs into thegrooves 42D. In addition, since thegrooves 42D are open to the outer circumference of thebase module 60, the gas is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is suppressed that projections are formed on the surface of thenozzle plate 12. As described above, even theinkjet head 1A of a so-called end-shooter type produces the same effect as theinkjet head 1 of the side-shooter type. - In addition, the
grooves 42D of thebase module 60 are provided apart from thepressure chambers 27. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ink of thepressure chambers 27 from flowing into thegrooves 42D and thereby remaining and changing ink ejection performance. - While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.
Claims (15)
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JP2011-050531 | 2011-03-08 | ||
JP2011050531A JP2012187717A (en) | 2011-03-08 | 2011-03-08 | Inkjet head |
Publications (2)
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US20120229571A1 true US20120229571A1 (en) | 2012-09-13 |
US8733899B2 US8733899B2 (en) | 2014-05-27 |
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US13/413,803 Expired - Fee Related US8733899B2 (en) | 2011-03-08 | 2012-03-07 | Inkjet head and method of manufacturing the same |
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US (1) | US8733899B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2012187717A (en) |
CN (1) | CN102673146B (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150115070A1 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2015-04-30 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Printing plate assembly and method for an ink jet print head assembly |
US20150145923A1 (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2015-05-28 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Inkjet head |
CN105799329A (en) * | 2016-03-21 | 2016-07-27 | 浙江百事德办公设备有限公司 | Automatic cleaning sprayer of printer |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6519404B2 (en) * | 2015-08-24 | 2019-05-29 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Electronic device and liquid jet head |
JP6610117B2 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2019-11-27 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Connection structure, inkjet head, inkjet head manufacturing method, and inkjet recording apparatus |
JP7110126B2 (en) * | 2019-01-10 | 2022-08-01 | 東芝テック株式会社 | Inkjet head, inkjet device, and method for manufacturing inkjet head |
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US8113633B2 (en) * | 2008-01-31 | 2012-02-14 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus having same |
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JPH08174832A (en) | 1994-12-21 | 1996-07-09 | Canon Inc | Ink-jet recording head |
JP4253859B2 (en) * | 1998-04-03 | 2009-04-15 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Inkjet head |
JP2000211145A (en) | 1999-01-27 | 2000-08-02 | Canon Inc | Ink jet recording head and manufacture thereof |
JP2001047620A (en) * | 1999-08-09 | 2001-02-20 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Ink jet head |
KR100506093B1 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2005-08-04 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Ink-jet printhead package |
JP2005125768A (en) | 2003-09-29 | 2005-05-19 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Thin plate layered structure |
JP2009196122A (en) * | 2008-02-19 | 2009-09-03 | Toshiba Tec Corp | Inkjet head, and method for producing the same |
-
2011
- 2011-03-08 JP JP2011050531A patent/JP2012187717A/en active Pending
-
2012
- 2012-02-08 CN CN201210027594.6A patent/CN102673146B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-03-07 US US13/413,803 patent/US8733899B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US8113633B2 (en) * | 2008-01-31 | 2012-02-14 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus having same |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150115070A1 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2015-04-30 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Printing plate assembly and method for an ink jet print head assembly |
US10022968B2 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2018-07-17 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Printing plate assembly and method for an ink jet print head assembly |
US20150145923A1 (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2015-05-28 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Inkjet head |
US9446591B2 (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2016-09-20 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Inkjet head for reducing variation in liquid ejection performance |
US20160355016A1 (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2016-12-08 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Inkjet head |
US9969166B2 (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2018-05-15 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Inkjet head with a plurality of integrated nozzles |
CN105799329A (en) * | 2016-03-21 | 2016-07-27 | 浙江百事德办公设备有限公司 | Automatic cleaning sprayer of printer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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JP2012187717A (en) | 2012-10-04 |
CN102673146B (en) | 2015-08-26 |
CN102673146A (en) | 2012-09-19 |
US8733899B2 (en) | 2014-05-27 |
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